Ken Hinkley doubles down on Power’s premiership aspirations ahead of critical 2025 season

Ken Hinkley says he will draw inspiration from Chris Fagan and Brisbane in 2025, as the under-pressure Power coach says he expected to get the same questions about his future next year.

Ken Hinkley is taking inspiration from Chris Fagan and Brisbane as the Port Adelaide coach plans to fight for a premiership again next year.

Hinkley dismissed any notion he might quit ahead of the last season of his contract, saying he wanted another crack at winning a breakthrough flag as senior coach and the Power’s first since 2004.

The 58-year-old led Port to a third preliminary final in five years this past campaign while becoming the club’s longest-serving AFL mentor.

He pointed to Fagan, who at 63 became the oldest VFL/AFL premiership coach last weekend, winning a first flag with Brisbane in its sixth consecutive finals attempt under him as proof what could happen to sides that kept putting itself in contention.

Ken Hinkley with Chris Fagan in 2018. Picture SARAH REED

“It does get hard and it does get tiring at different times, but the reality is, give me four days off, which I’ve had this week and I’m feeling pretty fresh already,” Hinkley told FIVEaa.

“Let me have another crack at this because I ain’t giving this away.

“I’ve got a great relationship with my old mate Fages and when you see people get through eventually you say ‘the only thing I know is you have to keep turning up’.

“I’ve proven to fight a fair bit in my past and I’m going to continue to fight, and I’m going to bring great energy.

“As long as our footy club looks to improve, we’re going to be OK.”

Hinkley expected to cop “the same questions” about his future from round 1 next season.

“I’ve had it every year,” he said.

Hinkley’s future will be a major storyline in 2025. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to help and improve our club, and make sure we give ourselves another chance to participate right at the pointy end of the season.

“Reality is my energy is high, my desire is to help the footy club – that is really the way it is and always has been.”

Hinkley said the club remained optimistic that it was not far off making a grand final after losing to Sydney at the SCG a fortnight ago.

He said the Power needed to improve in all aspects of the game, but was particularly targeting players forward of the ball during the trade period.

Port Adelaide was hoping to add Gold Coast swingman Jack Lukosius and play him in attack, while goalsneaks Joe Richards (Collingwood) and Riley Garcia (Western Bulldogs) were also on the Power’s radar.

Originally published as Ken Hinkley doubles down on Power’s premiership aspirations ahead of critical 2025 season